Light rail transit line finds support on Mac campus

Hamilton Spectator

(Jan 14, 2010)

A recent survey of the McMaster University community found faculty, students and staff support a proposed Hamilton light rail system.

More than 85 per cent of the respondents who do not currently use public transit to travel to campus said they would consider changing their commuting habits if a light rail transit line was available.

The survey, conducted online and in person on campus for two weeks in December, also showed about two-thirds of participants preferred light rail transit as their mode of rapid transportation.

About 1,500 people participated in the voluntary survey organized by the city and university.

The university has a student population of about 22,000.

McMaster's vice-president of university advancement said yesterday he was pleased with the results. "We were encouraged by the tremendous support for the light rail system in particular," Roger Trull said.

"I think (the proposed system) would certainly have a positive effect on efforts we're already making on sustainability," he said. "And it would be easier for students to feel part of the broader Hamilton community."

"Commuting to and from campus is pretty inconvenient as it is right now," Ahtisham said, adding it takes him 45 minutes to bus to campus from his home on the Mountain.

The proposed $650-million project is waiting approval from the province and its regional transportation authority, Metrolinx. The project would include a McMaster-to-Eastgate Square line along the HSR's present B-line corridor.

Jill Stephen, the city's acting director of strategic planning and rapid transit, said the feedback comes at a great time because the project is still in its planning and design stage.

Concern has been raised around the proposed terminal's location conflicting with McMaster's campus plan, which protects its pedestrian core and pushes transit to the perimeter.

Trull said the survey only asked students to discuss proposed locations on the edge of campus and students showed preference for one within walking distance to main buildings.

More discussion is needed about the line's exact route, Trull said, adding lab and university researchers have "sensitive equipment" on campus they need to make sure is not affected by the transit line.